Recruiting a Part-Time Finance Director (FD) in London involves a targeted approach to attract the right talent. Given London's competitive job market, especially in finance, you'll need a clear strategy to identify and engage with suitable candidates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to facilitate your recruitment process:

1. Define the Position

• Clarify Responsibilities: Outline what the Part-Time FD will be responsible for, such as financial strategy, planning, analysis, compliance, and risk management.
• Identify Skills and Experience Needed: Determine the specific qualifications, skills, and level of experience required for the role, considering the complexities of your business and industry.

• Use Specialized Job Boards: Post the vacancy on job boards that specialize in finance and executive roles, such as eFinancialCareers, Finance Director Network, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Jobs.
• Leverage LinkedIn: Post the job on your company’s LinkedIn page, use targeted ads to reach relevant candidates, and actively search for candidates who fit the profile.
• Industry Publications and Websites: Consider advertising in finance and business-related publications and websites that professionals in London frequently visit.

• Specialized Finance Recruitment Agencies: Contact agencies that specialize in finance positions. Firms like Robert Half, Michael Page, and Hays have dedicated divisions for finance roles and access to a vast pool of candidates looking for part-time opportunities.
• Interim Management Providers: Some companies offer interim management services, providing experienced executives for short-term or part-time roles. This can be a quick way to fill the position with a highly qualified candidate.

• Leverage Your Network: Reach out to your professional network for referrals. Personal recommendations can lead to finding high-quality candidates.
• Attend Industry Events: Participate in finance and business events, conferences, and seminars in London to network with potential candidates.
• Professional Associations: Engage with professional finance and business associations in the UK, such as the CFA Society of the UK or the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), which can be good sources for finding qualified candidates.

• Screening: Conduct a thorough screening of applications to shortlist candidates based on their experience, qualifications, and fit for your business needs.
• Interviews: Arrange interviews to assess candidates’ expertise, problem-solving abilities, and how they align with your company's culture and values. Consider involving key team members in the process.
• Case Studies or Practical Assessments: For a role as critical as a Finance Director, consider including practical assessments or case studies as part of the interview process to evaluate candidates’ strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

• Make an Offer: Once you’ve found the right candidate, make a competitive offer that reflects the market rates in London and the value the candidate brings to your company.
• Onboarding: Ensure a smooth onboarding process that integrates the new Part-Time FD into your team and provides them with the resources and information needed to succeed in their role.

Recruiting a Part-Time Finance Director (FD) or a Portfolio FD in London involves identifying finance professionals who can offer strategic financial guidance and oversight on a less than full-time basis. A Portfolio FD typically works with multiple companies simultaneously, offering a breadth of experience and flexibility. This can be particularly appealing for startups, SMEs, or businesses undergoing transitions that require strategic financial input without the overhead of a full-time position. Here's how to approach recruiting for these roles in London's competitive market.

Understanding the Roles

• Part-Time FD: Provides strategic financial advice and oversight, often working a few days a week or on a flexible schedule tailored to the company's needs.
• Portfolio FD: Similar to a Part-Time FD but manages a portfolio of companies, offering strategic input based on a wide range of experiences from different sectors and business models.

• Detail the specific financial management, strategy, oversight, and reporting needs of your business.
• Clarify the level of experience and sector-specific knowledge required.
• Determine the flexible working arrangements acceptable (e.g., number of days per week, remote work options).

• Agencies focusing on senior financial roles or interim management have access to a pool of experienced FDs who are open to part-time and portfolio arrangements.
• These agencies understand the nuances of such roles and can help match the right candidate to your business needs.

• LinkedIn and other professional networking sites are valuable resources for finding candidates. Use targeted searches and post in relevant groups.
• Engage with finance and industry-specific associations in London, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), which can offer networking opportunities and access to potential candidates.

• Job postings on websites and forums focused on finance professionals, such as eFinancialCareers or the Financial Times career section, can attract the right talent.
• Consider also using platforms tailored to freelance or interim professionals.

• Tap into your existing business networks, advisors, and contacts for recommendations.
• Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to meet potential candidates and spread the word about your opening.

• Ensure the interview process assesses not only technical and strategic finance skills but also compatibility with the company's culture and the unique challenges it faces.
• Given the strategic nature of the role, include scenario-based questions or case studies relevant to your business.

• For Portfolio FDs, a trial project can be an effective way to gauge their impact on your business and ensure a good fit before committing to a longer-term arrangement.

Recruiting a Part-Time or Portfolio FD in London requires a strategic approach that combines clear role definition, targeted search strategies, and thorough vetting processes. By leveraging specialized recruitment agencies, professional networks, and targeted advertising, along with a structured interview process, you can find a finance professional who brings valuable strategic insight, flexible working arrangements, and a breadth of experience to your business.

Conclusion

Recruiting a Part-Time FD in London requires a well-thought-out strategy that combines clear role definition, targeted advertising, the use of specialized recruitment agencies, networking, and a thorough selection process. By following these steps, you can attract and hire a finance professional who not only brings the necessary expertise and experience to your business but also fits well with your company’s culture and values.  FD Capital are leaders when it comes to Part-Time FD Recruitment.